Pinot Noir from France, Rioja Rosado from Spain, Brunello di Montalcino from Italy, and many other popular wines may soon be at risk of disappearing. The reason is predictable: global warming. According to experts, vineyards in France, Spain, and Italy are facing a critical rise in temperatures during the growing season. As a result, these world-renowned wines are becoming sweeter and stronger.
What have scientists discovered? A team of researchers from the University of British Columbia in Canada has dedicated a new study to examining the impact of climate change on various stages of grape growth and development for wine varieties. The scientists analyzed data on more than 500 grape varieties from around the world and considered 10 different climate indicators, including the lowest temperatures during dormancy and bud break, extreme temperatures during the growing season, and temperature and precipitation during harvest.
The analysis revealed that since the 1970s, Europe has been significantly affected by climate change. Over the past few decades, the number of hot days, when temperatures exceeded 95°F (35°C), has dramatically increased. During the growing season, wine grape varieties have been exposed to critically high temperatures, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Researchers also found that due to rising temperatures, regions suitable for grape cultivation are shifting toward the poles. Meanwhile, in traditional wine-producing areas, vines are ripening faster. Grapes are becoming sweeter, which alters the taste of the wine. Additionally, the alcohol content in these beverages is increasing, as sugar is converted into alcohol during fermentation. Global warming is also contributing to a decrease in the acidity of dry wines, which is unacceptable for many wine enthusiasts.
The impact of excessive heat is also damaging anthocyanins—pigments found in wine that give it red and purple colors. Moreover, natural compounds like tannins, which determine the taste, quality, and character of wine, cannot develop sufficiently to balance the rising sugar levels if the grapes are harvested too early.
In an article published by the journal Plos Climate, researchers stated that “the new world of European viticulture bears little resemblance to European viticulture from 40-50 years ago.” Lead author Elizabeth Volkovich noted, “I was very surprised by the level of warming worldwide, but especially in Europe, where our results clearly showed how much the growing season has warmed due to anthropogenic climate change.”